By Shadrack Nyakoe
Police in Turkana County have successfully recovered ten camels that were stolen by armed bandits in the Kataruk area of Loima Sub-County, following a well-coordinated security operation involving law enforcement officers and residents.
According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), the incident occurred when armed bandits ambushed herders and drove away the animals as they grazed in the expansive Kataruk rangelands. Upon receiving the report, a joint security team comprising officers from Lokichar and Lorugum Police Stations immediately launched a pursuit, working closely with local community members’ familiar with the terrain.
The tracking team followed the suspects’ trail towards the Kalodicha and Kangisaja areas, regions known for their rugged terrain and limited accessibility. After hours of pursuit, the officers managed to recover all ten camels and arrest one suspect believed to be among the attackers. Two of his accomplices, however, managed to escape and are being pursued by the police.
Police said the recovered animals were positively identified by their rightful owner and have since been returned. The arrested suspect remains in custody, assisting investigators with crucial information that could lead to the capture of the remaining fugitives. He is expected to be arraigned in court once the investigations are complete.
In a statement, NPS commended the cooperation between the community and security agencies, terming it a major step in the ongoing fight against livestock theft and banditry in the North Rift region. The NPS emphasized the importance of continued community participation in security operations, noting that timely sharing of intelligence often leads to quick recoveries and arrests.
“The National Police Service appreciates the vigilance and support of local residents and urges members of the public to continue sharing information with law enforcement through the nearest police stations,” the statement read.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing security across Turkana and other North Rift counties, ensuring that livestock-dependent communities can live and work without fear of bandit attacks.
